To prevent unnecessary emergency responses to false alarms, the Fayette-Urban County Government adopted an alarm ordinance to encourage all alarm users to maintain mechanical reliability and properly use their alarm equipment. Any person or business operating a monitored alarm system or a non-monitored, audible alarm system inside Lexington-Fayette County is required to register their alarm systems with the False Alarms Reduction Unit.
For specific information about the alarm system requirements, read City Ordinance 13-72.
Effective August 2024: The Lexington Police Department is now using CryWolf Services as its new billing and permitting system.
If you or your business have a current/active Alarm Permit, no action is required. Your next billing will be from CryWolf Services, and you will be able to pay your invoice online or by check.
If you do not have a current/active Alarm Permit, you are required to register your alarm system with the City of Lexington.
Apply for an Alarm Permit
Complete the online registration form using the link below.
You may also contact the False Alarm Management System at (833) 566-7734 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST.
Alarm Registration and Renewal Fees
- Residential – $15
- Commercial – $15
False alarm appeal guidelines for fines
Chapter 13, Article IV, of the LFUCG Code of Ordinances, defines a false alarm as “An Alarm Dispatch Request to a law enforcement agency, when the responding officer finds no evidence of a criminal offense or attempted criminal offense after having completed an investigation of the Alarm Site.”
Every appeal filed with the False Alarm Reduction Unit must be submitted within 10 days of receipt of any notice of a False Alarm or order of Suspension/Revocation. Failure to file the appeal within the 10-day appeal period will result in the immediate denial of your appeal.
Appeals must be accompanied by a police report to show proof of criminal activity or attempted criminal activity.
Registered Alarm Users have the option of attending the Alarm User Awareness Class approved by the Alarm Administrator in lieu of paying one (1) civil fine in a calendar year. Contact the False Alarm Reduction Unit within 10 days of receipt of any notice or order to register for this class.
Appeals will NOT be granted for false alarms that are the result of:
- Faulty, defective or malfunctioning equipment supplied by the alarm company.
- Improper installation or maintenance by the alarm company.
- Improper monitoring by the alarm company.
- An occurrence where no evidence of criminal activity is present.
- Mistakes made by private contractors, maids, cleaning crews, etc.
- Alarm activations which occur while alarm technicians are repairing or servicing the alarm system.
- Items within the home or business which move and cause motion detectors to activate, i.e., curtains, signs, balloons, etc.
- Glass break detectors which activate due to noises/sounds other than actual glass breakage.
- Doors and/or windows that become loose and cause a break in the contacts which activates the alarm.
- Caretakers who watch homes or businesses when owners are away.
- Pets, rodents, wildlife.
- Interruption of electrical power supply due to weather, unless outage is more than (4) hours.
In the case of equipment failure, faulty installation or faulty monitoring, we suggest you contact your alarm company immediately.
This list is intended as a guide to assist you in deciding whether to appeal a false alarm or contact your alarm company for discussion. This list is not intended to cover every situation where an appeal will be denied.
If you would like to appeal a warning/invoice notice, please follow all instructions listed in the above guidelines. Send a written request stating the grounds for your appeal and your supporting documentation to:
Lexington KY False Alarm Reduction Program
PO Box 749221
Atlanta, GA 30374
You will be notified by mail of the decision made regarding your appeal.